Greater Eureka Chamber recognizes 2024 business awards winners at fashion-forward ‘Boldt Gala
On Friday January 31, six local businesses from across industries were recognized for their exemplary work and service to the community at the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce annual business awards ‘Boldt Gala.
Per tradition, the awardees were selected by fellow members of the Greater Eureka Chamber and were awarded on stage in front of an audience of nearly 400 people.
“The winners of the 2025 business awards are all very deserving of this honor,” said Nancy Olson, CEO of the Greater Eureka Chamber. “I am deeply grateful for what they each bring to our community and how they model a commitment to excellence, creativity, and resilience.”
Business Award winners are as follows:
- O & M Industries, Large Business of the Year
- Scrapper’s Edge, Small Business of the Year
- Cafe Waterfront, Customer Service Award
- Scott Hammond - State Farm Insurance, Positive Community Impact - For Profit Award
- Alzheimer's Association of Northern California, Positive Community Impact - Nonprofit Award
- Schmidbauer Lumber, Extraordinary Business Award
Three special awards were also presented, including:
- Florence Parks - Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Coast, Leadership Impact Award
- Jose Zapata - Coast Central Credit Union, Ambassador of the Year
- Dane Valadao of ReProp Financial was also recognized for his service as Board Treasurer from 2020-2024.
About the ‘Boldt Gala
The ‘Boldt Gala was an haute couture-inspired evening at The Acres modeled after a renowned NYC fashion and fundraising gala held annually on Fifth Avenue. It focused on bringing a high-fashion and elegant experience for attendees. As they entered the event, local business and community leaders walked the red carpet and were swarmed by paparazzi (Eureka High School photography students) who captured their creative and chic outfits.
Awards were presented by 2025 Board Chair, Ross Creech of Quality Body Works and Vice-Chair Teresa Conley of Premier Financial, accompanied by an event soundtrack provided by Accurate Productions. After the inspiring ceremony, Thomas Nicholson Stratton of the Foggy Bottoms Boys facilitated an exciting live auction, using his freshly-minted auctioneer chops to help make the fundraising portion of the evening a smashing success.
DJ L Boogie AKA Lorna Bryant, kicked off the party portion of the evening and set the tone for Elle & Ëlle Productions and CAVE Productions to put on a striking fashion show, showcasing clothes from local Chamber member businesses including Belle Starr, Ciara’s Irish Shop, Good Relations, Living Doll, and Proper Wellness. Attendees got the chance to walk the runway themselves and enjoyed specialty cocktails, mocktails, and bourgeois bites coordinated by Meredith Maier of Six Rivers Brewery. Personalized poetry was created for attendees by Peculiar Poets.
The Greater Eureka Chamber thanks its presenting sponsors, Canopy RWE and Vineyard Offshore for their generous contribution to the ‘Boldt Gala. More than 75 other Chamber members provided sponsorships, in-kind donations, and auction items as well. The Annual Awards Gala is the Chamber's largest fundraiser of the year and allows it to serve the Greater Eureka business community year-round.
View photos of the event taken by Moonstone Images on the Chamber's Facebook page.